Eagles Release DeSean Jackson; Gang Connections Concerns Arise

Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) looks on during warmups before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

DeSean Jackson, a talented wide receiver who was on the trading block, is now on the free agent market. The Eagles announced the news today via their Twitter account.

The Chiefs have a need at wide receiver and may be willing to pursue him now that Jackson has been released. However, those thoughts may be different now after new information was reported today about Jackson’s associations with a gang.

Eliot Shorr-Parks and A.J. Perez of N.J.com are reporting there are rising concerns within the front office of Jackson’s growing connection with a Los Angeles-based gang. 

"Jackson’s continued association with reputed Los Angeles street gang members who have been connected to two homicides since 2010.…A little over a year after the rising NFL star was interviewed by police about his connection to Shakir, Jackson’s name once again made its way onto the desk of Detective Crosson.This time, Jackson’s name surfaced as part of an investigation into a 2012 gang-related murder that occurred outside a South Los Angeles business where a party had taken place. The building was owned or leased by a member of Jackson’s family, police said.During a search of the building, Crosson told NJ.com investigators found several documents belonging to Jackson, including a car title, a gun permit issued in New Jersey and credit-card receipts."

These are serious accusations that may change the way the Chiefs and the rest of the NFL view Jackson. This goes beyond having a bad relationship with a coach or issues smoking pot, these are serious criminals NJ.com says Jackson may have connections to. This isn’t something to mess with.

It is believed Jackson has a good relationship with Andy Reid, and the thought may be Kansas City would be a good place for him to re-start and clean up his life. Jackson has not be charged or connected to any of the murders mentioned in the story, so leaping to the Aaron Hernandez conclusions is probably not wise. With that said, why take the risk his associations find their way into the Chiefs locker room?

What do you think, Addicts? In light of the new information out about Jackson, should the Chiefs still be interested in him?